Several of my friends have had babies in the last year. Thanks to the wonder of social media, I’ve had the opportunity to witness countless photos documenting the first year of their children’s lives. There’s perhaps nothing more miraculous than a newborn baby, no sensation so sublime as to hold one in your arms or to see them smile at you for the first time. There’s no feeling so powerful as to realize someone depends on you, no motivation greater than the knowledge someone looks up to and admires you.

However, as any parent will eventually testify, there comes a bittersweet moment when your child gains more autonomy and independence and – suddenly – you cease to be a super hero in their eyes. No longer their Superman or Wonder Woman, just like that. You’re only human, they’ve discovered, full of flaws and not always invincible. Then there are the days they treat you like an outright villain.

My own son will turn 18 at the end of October. While I envy my friends the joy of new parenthood, there is no power on earth or elsewhere that would compel me to repeat the experience of shepherding a child through the teen years. Adolescence is a particularly rocky road, along which there are many pitfalls. Think the “twos” are terrible? Give me a toddler over a teenager any day of the week.

All children rebel against their parents. It’s part of the cycle of life, and as they grow older, they develop ideas of their own, notions that sometimes frighten us.

Watching those we love most make mistakes can be heart breaking on the best of days and soul crushing on the worst. Yet, we weather the storm of injustices that accompany parenting an adolescent. We know that in order to learn how to do the right thing, sometimes we must first do the wrong thing.

While the transition from child to adult can be seemingly traumatic, a light does beacon at the end of the darkest of tunnels. That’s because, as adults, we’ve already walked this path. We know that the seeds of rebellion sowed in youth will blossom into hardy flowers given proper care.

As we prepare to celebrate the occasion of our nation’s birth, it’s important to take a moment to recognize this country was founded in the spirit of rebellion. Revolt against tyranny and oppression is the building block with which this nation was built. Our forefathers vehemently questioned authority and believed in the free will of the individual.

We pause on Independence Day to honor their memory, but their ideals have continued to advance, their spirit of rebellion alive and well. Just as teenagers question their parents’ once seemingly infallible judgment, we as Americans still demand answers from those in power. It’s part of what makes this country great.

Happy birthday, America! We at Pennsylvania Bridges wish everyone a safe, fun filled summer. We’ll be back in August with our Back to School edition.